By 121 News Reporter
Mohali 26th January:- Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today appealed all the political parties, NGOs, voluntary and social organizations to launch a crusade against the social evils especially the drug menace thereby rising above the petty considerations of party affiliations and trivial interests to emerge Punjab as the leading state in the country. Addressing the gathering after unfurling the national tri-color on the 66th Republic Day here at State Level function in Government College, the Chief Minister said that the decisive battle against these social maladies such as drug addiction, female foeticide, environmental pollution, unemployment, illiteracy and economic disparity should be fought till its logical end.
Pleading for a true federal structure, the Chief Minister asked the countrymen to make a firm resolve on this historic day to make our country secular, republic, democratic and federal to the core so that we could cherish the aspirations of our founding fathers of Indian Constitution. Appreciating the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister mentioned that for the first time a sincere attempt has been made to demonstrate 'Inclusive Development' in true spirit by eliciting the views of Chief Ministers of all the states in formulating the policies and programs in a wide spectrum by scrapping the earlier Planning Commission of India (PCI) and now replacing the same with National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog where the Chief Ministers would have far more effective representation and say in projecting the problems and issues related to their respective states and viz-a-viz their resolution to the satisfaction of all the stakeholders.
Recalling the enormous contribution of Punjabis' in the national freedom struggle, the Chief Minister cited that above 80% people who were either martyred, exiled or imprisoned for life term belonged to Punjab adding he said our brave Punjabi soldiers have always safeguarded the integrity of country from the external aggression and internal disturbances besides the hard working and resilient Punjabi farmers made the country self-reliant in food production despite having just 2.5% of country's total area. The Chief Minister said that Punjabis were all the more proud for this sacred land from where the pivotal movements of freedom struggle like Kuka, Pagri Sambhal, Ghadar, Gurdwara Reform, Babbar Akali and others were spearheaded.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister took salute from an impressive parade comprising the contingents of PAP, Police Band, NCC, Bharat Scouts and Guides led by DSPs Akashdeep Singh and Mrs. Rupinder Kaur Rama.
The Chief Minister also gave away tricycles to the physically challenged and sewing machines to the poor and needy women. A colorful variety program by the school children besides a mass PT show by the tiny tots regaled the audience. A series of Tableaux depicting the overall development of the state especially the district administration was also the star of attraction.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister honored 16 eminent personalities in recognition with their outstanding contribution in the different fields by the Punjab Government and District Administration. Chief Minister also honored the freedom fighters and their next of kin on the occasion. He also conferred 'Mukh Mantri Rakhshak Padaks' on the seven police personnel towards their outstanding dedication for duty.
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